One of Liverpool city centre ’s most historic banks has closed its doors to make way for a new hi-tech banking centre.

The bank says its new branch in Church Street, which opened this week, is its first “completely digitally-focused branch” in the UK.

But as it opened that branch it closed its large branch in Castle Street .

The street has in recent years turned into a new food and drink hub for Liverpool. No plans have yet been confirmed for the building – but given its neighbours, the elegant structure is likely to attract interest from hotel and restaurant operators.

The Castle Street building was built for the former Parr’s Bank from 1898 to 1901.

It was designed by Richard Norman Shaw, whose other works include the massive Cragside country house in Northumberland.

The former Parr Bank now Natwest bank on Castle street

Its centrepiece is a circular banking hall - and while its furnishings have been modernised, it retains its grand pillars, dome and gold ceiling detailing.

Read More

Michael Burrow, Managing Director North Region at NatWest, said: “Our new Liverpool branch is our first completely digitally focused branch in the country and we are delighted to welcome customers through the doors.

“With an increasing number of our customers are choosing to bank with us using their mobile phones or online, we recognise the need to provide a branch that is both digitally focused and supports customers with their financial needs. All of our staff are TechXperts who will be able to answer questions about how to use our applications and the different ways customers can bank with us